The Bureau of Labor Statistics points to the ongoing growth in population and income as key factors fueling the increasing demand for specialty baked goods. Many of the trends that will prove to be most profitable for bakeries in 2016 are already underway, so let’s look at the signs that indicate six especially significant industry trends we’re anticipating.

1) Farmers' market-inspired baking

The rising demand for locally sourced foods has created an explosion of year-round farmers’ markets. Nestle Toll House identified farmers' market-inspired baking as one of the three core trends for 2015, and it’s sure to continue into 2016.

There were 8,268 farmers' markets operating in 2014, up 180 percent since 2006, as reported in a piece from National Public Radio. Consumers are hungry for the comforting and wholesome baked goods produced from fresh, in season ingredients grown in their own geographical regions. Especially popular items include breads and desserts made from seasonal fruits and vegetables:

  • Fresh local fruits squares
  • Squash, carrot, and pumpkin breads
  • Mixed berry pies
  • Peach and plum tarts and cobblers

2) Cage-free eggs

Do you know that over 90 percent of U.S. households use eggs? Consumers continue to demand “organic,” “high in omega-3 fatty acid,” and “humanely raised” eggs. Walk into any mainstream supermarket today and you’ll find several producers offering lines of cage-free eggs. A recent report from Packaged Facts, “Egg Market Trends and Opportunities in the U.S.,” points to McDonald’s Sept. 9, 2015 announcement detailing its full transition to cage-free eggs in 16,000 locations by 2025.

With the unprecedented number of major food companies setting timelines to switch exclusively to cage-free eggs, expect shoppers to continue to seek out baked goods that use humanely raised and organic eggs.

3) Non-GMO

The rising demand for GMO-free foods and labeling in the U.S. has spurred legislation at the state level and a move for a voluntary USDA non-GMO certification program. Consumers look for assurances that products do not contain genetically modified ingredients when choosing cereals, snacks, dairy products, non-dairy milk replacements, and bakery products. It will be more important than ever, moving into 2016, to bake with grains that are not genetically modified.

4) Pretzels

The September 2015 issue of Bakemag reports that pretzels continue to be one of the hottest bakery items. But think outside the traditional pretzel stick and incorporate this crunchy, salty snack into sandwich bread, dinner rolls, and pizza crusts. How about a pizza dough hamburger bun, or a long hoagie roll? Sandwiches remain the most popular food choice for Americans, so why not add a delicious twist with pretzel bread?

5) Gluten free

Driven by the growing awareness about both the health benefits and weight management aspects of gluten-free food, innovative gluten-free bakery products continue to shine on consumers’ radar, holding the gluten-free category’s largest market share in 2014. Interest in gluten-free products is no longer confined to people with Celiac disease; many consumers now believe that a diet without gluten grains is healthier overall and have begun to demand options across all food products.

Transparency Market Research’s recent report, "Gluten Free Food Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2015 – 2021," values the gluten-free food market at $2.84 billion in 2014. Projections show it reaching $4.89 billion by 2021.

6) Ancient grains

In response to the demand for gluten-free bakery goods and in conjunction with the evolving interest in local and sustainable foods, ancient grains are becoming big players in the food industry. Market research firm Packaged Facts found that 19 percent of U.S. consumers reported the purchasing of items containing ancient grains.

Sales of four different ancient grains doubled in 2014. The most popular options include quinoa, millet, spelt, and amaranth – all high protein, high fiber products that are perceived to be “clean” choices by health- and wellness-conscious consumers.

Regardless of which bakery trends you decides to try this year, Empire Bakery Equipment has all the industrial baking equipment to make your business successful! Visit us online or call us at 1-800-878-4070 to learn more about our machines.